Veterans retreat on effort to stop asbestos bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin veterans who had been urging Gov. Scott Walker to veto a bill affecting asbestos exposure lawsuits are backing down after being told the governor plans to sign the measure.

Jason Johns, lobbyist for the Military Order of the Purple Heart of Wisconsin, said Monday that he emailed veterans telling them to curtail their effort after a Walker aide told another veteran the governor planned to sign the bill.

Republican proponents argue the goal is to stop those bringing asbestos exposure lawsuits from being able to double dip by suing businesses and trusts established to pay claims. But opponents say new requirements will delay and deny justice for those harmed by asbestos, including veterans.